Netflix has struck a landmark global agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment, securing exclusive Pay-1 streaming rights for Sony's theatrical films worldwide. The deal, described as first-of-its-kind, includes major upcoming releases like the live-action Legend of Zelda movie. It expands an existing partnership to cover every Netflix market, with rollout starting in 2026.
Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a multi-year deal on Thursday that makes Netflix the exclusive global streaming destination for Sony's new theatrical movies after their cinema and home video runs. This Pay-1 window arrangement, previously limited to territories like the United States, Germany, and Southeast Asia, now extends to all Netflix-operating markets. The rollout will begin gradually later in 2026 as local rights become available, achieving full worldwide coverage by early 2029. As part of the agreement, Netflix will also license select titles from Sony's feature film and television library.
The deal covers several high-profile upcoming projects. The Legend of Zelda, a live-action adaptation of Nintendo's iconic video game franchise, is set for theatrical release on May 7, 2027. Directed by Wes Ball, known for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the film is produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Avi Arad, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth starring as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda. Production started in New Zealand in late 2025, aiming for a grounded epic fantasy true to the games' spirit.
Other films include Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the conclusion to the animated trilogy; The Nightingale, starring sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning; Buds, an animated feature; and Sam Mendes' four-part Beatles biopics. Past Sony successes like Uncharted, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, It Ends With Us, Anyone But You, and Venom: The Last Dance will also stream on Netflix in new territories.
Netflix Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy Lauren Smith highlighted the benefits: “Our members all over the world love movies and giving them exclusive access to Sony’s much loved films adds incredible value to their subscriptions. Sony’s impressive slate of iconic film franchises like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and originals like Anyone But You have been popular with our U.S. audience and now we’re excited to expand that offering to our members all around the world.”
Sony Pictures Television EVP of Global Distribution Paul Littmann added: “Our partnership with Netflix has always been incredibly valuable. This new Pay-1 deal takes that partnership to the next level and reinforces the enduring appeal of our theatrical releases to Netflix’s global audience. It also further underscores the strength of our independence and unique ability to create meaningful opportunities that benefit our creative stakeholders, consumers, and world-class partners.”
Despite the streaming exclusivity, traditional home media like 4K Blu-ray and DVD will remain available for purchase before films hit Netflix.
